The double-edged nature of boredom: sparking creativity while threatening focus and well-being
We have all been bored before. You’ve probably resorted to pulling out your phone or playing video games—something to occupy your attention so that you don’t have to feel bored, but sometimes boredom is good for you.
The feeling of boredom occurs when people are disinterested in their environment, lack stimulation or challenge, and or experience other factors such as inadequate motivation (1, 3). With more than 60% of adults admitting they feel bored at least once a week, boredom is ubiquitous (1, 3).
While boredom is a normal part of our lives, it can have positive and negative effects. Boredom can serve as a source of creativity, task engagement, and productivity, because when we are bored, our brains activate the default mode network—a system of brain regions that show heightened activity when someone is not focused on their surroundings—allowing our brains to wander and explore new ideas (2, 3). Boredom also allows your brain to recharge, as well as reflect and problem-solve (3).
Simultaneously, boredom can have negative effects, including reduced productivity, poorer mental health, and physical health problems (3). To highlight the human discomfort with boredom, researchers at the University of Virginia had subjects sit in a room without any of their belongings and think about a prompt for six to fifteen minutes (4). About half of the participants did not enjoy the experiment. As an extension to the experiment, the researchers had participants sit in a lab room where they could shock themselves if they wanted to. 67% of the men and 25% of the women shocked themselves, rather than just sitting there and thinking (4).
What should you do about boredom then? You can overcome boredom by trying something new or going outdoors for a walk; meditation may also be beneficial, allowing you to gain control over your mind. Or, embrace that boredom. Sit still in your chair, doing nothing but thinking to yourself. Opt to put down your phone and headphones on that commute. What’s the worst that could happen?
Works Cited:
- Seshadri, A. (2022, September 14). Boost your brain with boredom, Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-brain-with-boredom
- Robinson, B. (2022, April 14). Why Neuroscientists Say, ‘Boredom Is Good For Your Brain’s Health.’, Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2020/09/02/why-neuroscientists-say-boredom-is-good-for-your-brains-health/
- Ndetei, D., Nyamai P., & Mutiso V. (2023). Boredom–understanding the emotion and its impact on our lives: an African perspective. Frontiers in Sociology. 8(1213190), https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1213190
- Whitehead, N. (2014, July 3). People would rather be electrically shocked than left alone with their thoughts, Science. https://www.science.org/content/article/people-would-rather-be-electrically-shocked-left-alone-their-thoughts
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